[Ecosta]

hey everyone i have a 2017 Ex that i really like and its an amazing couple machine after my mods were done. but after a few problems ( all fixed under warranty) i think its time to upgrade, one of my main problems was always the lack of room in cabin as im 6.1

been looking into the z950 or maybe even the polaris general.

not that many videos around of the z950 reliability etc so what do you guys think? is it much better than the z800ex? or should i just keep my machine a few more years

thank you

[WV2020]

To be 100% honest I%u2019m not sure if I would buy another z950. Mines a 2021 1200 mi. Things that have gone bad:

1. Upper front bushings
2. Speedo sensor
3. Thermostat
4. Front wheel bearings ( I am running bigger tires, but still went out fast)
5. Blows fuses for fan
6. Antifreeze leak
7. Motor burns oils needs replaced at 1200mi.  This may not be a problem for you as it was an assembly thing. 
8. Shocks are stiff as a board even on the softest setting.  Changed to Elkas but that was some major money. 

The good:
Overall, especially with the new shocks it seems to perform well.  It does have a good low center of gravity and the longer wheel base makes it feel a lot more sturdy than something like an 800.  The power is good enough for me as well as I don%u2019t race or do a lot of high speed stuff. 

However!

I think when you start adding up money to make this a reliable and good running machine you could spend your money better somewhere else. 

[John1960]

To be 100% honest I%u2019m not sure if I would buy another z950. Mines a 2021 1200 mi. Things that have gone bad:

1. Upper front bushings
2. Speedo sensor
3. Thermostat
4. Front wheel bearings ( I am running bigger tires, but still went out fast)
5. Blows fuses for fan
6. Antifreeze leak
7. Motor burns oils needs replaced at 1200mi.  This may not be a problem for you as it was an assembly thing. 
8. Shocks are stiff as a board even on the softest setting.  Changed to Elkas but that was some major money. 

The good:
Overall, especially with the new shocks it seems to perform well.  It does have a good low center of gravity and the longer wheel base makes it feel a lot more sturdy than something like an 800.  The power is good enough for me as well as I don%u2019t race or do a lot of high speed stuff. 

However!

I think when you start adding up money to make this a reliable and good running machine you could spend your money better somewhere else.

Not to hijack the OP’s thread, but wow.   I would expect that from other machines at 1,200 miles , (Polaris perhaps) , but not the CFMoto.   

I’m sitting here waiting for my 2022 Z950 to come in and hoping that your situation exists as an anomaly.

[WV2020]

I%u2019m not sure if it does it not.  Maybe they have ironed out some of the problems or maybe they just aren%u2019t up to par with some of the other machines.

With that said, and this goes with anything, the stuff on the internet is usually the bad stuff. People always post about their problems or things they don%u2019t like.  The people that have a good experience stay fairly silent. 

However, I have spent a lot of time in the woods with different kinds of machines from jeeps to sxss and I will say this has required the most work to keep out on the trail.   

[NMKawierider]

From what I hear and my experience with the 800, if your only upgrade choice is the 950, then it's worth doing because it is superior over the 800s. However if you are not limited on choice and have the ability to go with one of the big-four,(Honda,Yamaha,Kawasaki or Can Am) then it would be foolish not to.   

[Ecosta]

To be 100% honest I%u2019m not sure if I would buy another z950. Mines a 2021 1200 mi. Things that have gone bad:

1. Upper front bushings
2. Speedo sensor
3. Thermostat
4. Front wheel bearings ( I am running bigger tires, but still went out fast)
5. Blows fuses for fan
6. Antifreeze leak
7. Motor burns oils needs replaced at 1200mi.  This may not be a problem for you as it was an assembly thing. 
8. Shocks are stiff as a board even on the softest setting.  Changed to Elkas but that was some major money. 

The good:
Overall, especially with the new shocks it seems to perform well.  It does have a good low center of gravity and the longer wheel base makes it feel a lot more sturdy than something like an 800.  The power is good enough for me as well as I don%u2019t race or do a lot of high speed stuff. 

However!

I think when you start adding up money to make this a reliable and good running machine you could spend your money better somewhere else.

wow thats alot of problems 

i would not be happy with that, what year is it?
btw is there any diference from 2021 to 2022 z950?
im in canada so i do have 5 year warranty and i really like that.
what tires you running?

thank you

[WV2020]

Mine is a 2021.  I know they have made some changes such as redesigning the clutch housing for lower belt temps.  I’ve burnt up a couple but I also do a lot of slow speed stuff that’s hard on the belt. Although my other machines saw the same abuse.  Only burnt up a belt on one other machine and it was a rzr in 2 feet of snow full throttle up an incline.  Bound to happen! One of the other big plus is they have changed shocks all the way around.  I have no idea why they thought a spring rate this stiff was a good idea.   Other than that I’m not sure of any other big changes. 

I think the 5 year warranty is huge.  At least that way you can see for yourself if you have any problems.  Mine was warrantied for 1 in the states and it was right before a promotion for a 2 years. 

I’m running 32 Terra Masters.  Overall a big tire but on the lighter side.  Not a hard core tread pattern.  Really like the tire though. 

Listen I don’t want to make you paranoid about your purchase.  Maybe some other people will chime in with better experiences.  My luck doesn’t  seem to always be the best.